Reflecting a broader trend, many young Chinese professionals are leaving the high-pressure “996” work culture of big cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen for smaller towns, driven by the high cost of living and a slowing economy. The backlash against long working hours has intensified, exemplified by public outrage over Baidu executive Qu Jing’s controversial comments on work expectations. While the urban-rural gap in amenities has narrowed, some analysts warn that this shift might be temporary, with workers likely returning to larger cities when the economy improves.